Yale Takes on Ancient Eight Rivals

Feb 22, 2008

Feb. 22, 2008

On Sunday, the Bulldogs will make a run for the Ivy Classic title, which they last won in 2005. Last year, Yale placed third behind Penn and Cornell, buoyed by the all-around performance of Alina Liao, who also placed third.

Penn is the reigning champion, although the team fell to Yale at a dual meet earlier in the season 188.575 to 183.775. The home team, Cornell, has a season high score of 190.525, compared to Yale's 189.25. Brown has been struggling, with a high of 186.2.

The Bulldogs will depend heavily on Liao, Kristen Campbell, and Brigitte Kivisto in the all-around. As a junior, Liao has competed all of the events in every single meet of her college career. Campbell, who was a beam specialist last year, has smoothly transitioned into an all-around gymnast. Kivisto has been bothered by an injury but is expected to compete all four events this weekend.

On vault, Lauren Tatsuno is always dependable, and Allison Mak has gradually become a force to be reckoned with this season. However, Yale is hampered by low start values. While bars continues to be a struggle for the Bulldogs, Liao and Sherry Yang have consistently been hitting routines in competition. Every member of the beam line-up can be counted on for a strong beam performance, especially Mak, who has won the event three times this season. Yale has had some inconsistencies on floor but is improving week by week. Several gymnasts are serious contenders for individual titles.